Tommorow I'm going to check out a 1986 6.9L diesel in my area. It has 117K miles on it. He is selling the truck, which is 4WD, Long Bed, Great Interior, 4spd for $2500!!!! I figure the engine alone could be worth that. That engine seems to have a reputation for lasting well over 500K miles. I know a guy whose dad ran his up to 800K miles, with hardly anything, if anything done to it. The last owner of my truck took out the 6.9, and put in the 7.3. I am told that the 7.3 has a great reputation for lasting long, but not as long as the 6.9. So, I figure even if I dont want to drive the truck, I can put that 6.9 back in my rig, and then take all the parts off that I want and put them in my rig also.

Do you think $2500 sounds like a good deal? I'll try to take some pics of it if I can.

Ok, well I new it wasnt going to be the prettiest thing I ever saw. I'm just not sure its worth it. This truck is a Lariat, which means TONS of extra features than my rig. AC, thick steering wheel, clock, vents, etc... Again, it only has 117K miles on it, and that engine when taken cared of can run well into 500K-800K miles. I'm thinking, should I buy this truck, take all the good stuff off, and put it on my truck? Make my truck a Lariat? Or should I just save the $2500 he is asking for a new truck? Hmmmm.

He warned me of the rust on that one fender and the lack of pain on the hood before I came.

The interior was almost as good as new. Way better than mine.

Mechanically, everything was solid. No leaks that I could see. He said he changed the oil every 5000 miles.

Thats a good looking rig, wouldn't take much but a patch panel or two and a coat of paint to look brand new. Its still fairly clean body wise, and the frame looks great from what you can see. A couple of years ago I had the opportunity to pick up a 350 2wd 4 speed with the 6.9 and an ATS turbo for 1000, so 2500 may be a little steep but you can always negotiate. Besides, the one I looked at you could poke holes through the frame with your fingers

Looks like it's worth the price (but I'm by no means NADA) - my only concern would be trying to move everything over to your rig. Honestly it'll be a bear to do. I've built quite a few hot rods and take what you figure it'll cost to build up and easily double it - even if you do an exact part by part - it's NEVER that cut and dry. Just my opinion - again I do think the rig is probably worth the price.

Thanks for your feedback guys. Yeah, I dont even know where I would get the time to do everything myself really. Swapping Interiors would be easy for me, but at the momento, I dont have the space or the tools to move the engine and all that stuff. However, it is the same Year and truck. I dont know. I'm just going to have to think about it for a little bit. It was kinda funny, we had to drive out to the guys hunting spot to see the truck. It was way up in the mountains. Good views though.

how does the truck drive? if it handles good i would leave it together for a comuter then start hopping up your 7.3 as a week end toy. leave the 6.9 in this truck and just get the exterior looking like the interior.

Well, the thing had a camper on it, plus we were up in the mountains so I didnt drive it. I went through all the gears in the cab a few times along with the 4WD. Again, felt more solid than mine even does. The frame just had surface rust here and there. Same with my truck. Yeah, I'm kinda tempted to. I'm still thinking. Thanks guys

Out of curiosity, what would one have to do to get rid of that rusty spot on the back panel? How much money would be involved in getting that section cut out and replaced?

Well, the patch panel is about $26 from JC Whitney, and if you can weld, you're set. It doesnt take much to do, just grab a case of beer and a couple of buddies, cut out all the cancer with an angle grinder, cut the new panel to fit, then gas or mig weld in place. Smooth and paint. All told, and depending on your motivation and intoxication it should only take a couple of hours from start to finish.

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